Joe Hafele

Cannelton, Indiana - Joe A. Hafele, 83, passed away on Monday, February 20, 2012, at his home. A native of Perry County, he was born in Tobinsport on June 12, 1928. His parents were the late Glenward and Lula (Hargis) Hafele. Also preceding him in death besides his parents were his brothers, Ralph and Hargis Hafele. Joe married Ida Mae Sweeney on June 7, 1950 at St. John's United Christ of Christ in Cannelton where they have continued a lifelong membership. An outstanding athlete, Joe was a 1946 graduate of Cannelton High School, where he was captain of the 1946 sectional championship basketball team. He was a 1950 graduate of Evansville College where he was awarded the first Arad McCutchan athletic scholarship. Joe received his masters degree in education from Indiana University. He played in an IK and Lincolnland semi-pro baseball league and coached basketball and baseball at Cannelton High School where he coached the 1952 CHS basketball sectional championship team. He was loved and respected by his students for over 30 years where he developed lasting friendships. He continued his love of sports by following University of Evansville, Indiana University and St. Louis Cardinals teams. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Ida Mae; daughters, Marlene Wint (Tom), New Albany and Nannette Schelling (Steve), Crestwood, Kentucky; sons, Tim Hafele (Roberta), Santa Claus and Jeff Hafele, Cannelton; 8 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren. Funeral service will be held at 11 AM on Friday, February 24, 2012, at Huber Funeral Home, Cannelton Chapel, with burial in Cliff Cemetery. Rev. Mike Thompson will officiate. Visitation will be from 2:00 until 8:00 PM on Thursday and from 9:00 AM until service time on Friday. Memorial contributions may be made to St. John United Church of Christ.